The Gift Movie Review

You ever start looking at a clip on Youtube and you get a weird feeling in your stomach about thirty seconds in? You know something unsettling is about to happen, but you can't make yourself look away. The Gift would be that unsettling clip of the day.

The story follows married couple Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall) who are moving from Chicago to an area of SoCal that's close to Simon's old stomping grounds. The happy couple is starting a new chapter in their lives as Simon is beginning a big career move. Their new chapter includes leaving behind an old one filled with some skeletons you come to find out about later. On a routine shopping trip, they run into Gordon "Gordo" Moseley (Joel Edgerton), an old friend of Simon's. What starts as a chance encounter turns into something much worse, something darker...

From the first time you meet Gordo, you know something isn't quite right, even if you haven't viewed the trailer. He has a strange look in his eyes that gives you chills. Edgerton did a great job of capturing a true weirdo without going over the top. Think of that creepy person in the bar who, every time you glance their way, is looking right back at you. Bateman and Hall were not to be outdone as their acting is just as captivating. I've never seen Bateman in such a role, but was impressed at his range. Hall's character beautifully portrays a woman caught in the middle of something she doesn't quite understand. Together, they are the perfect storm.

For those of you looking for suspense, this film will keep you engaged throughout. Not only that, but I have a great respect for a movie that keeps you thinking long after it's over. How would things have turned out differently if this character had just done that? Who's really to blame? What really happened? This movie will keep you guessing to the end and, just when you think you can't be twisted around anymore, a little cherry is added to finish you off.

The Gift was a pleasant surprise to top off the summer. I give it a well-deserved 94.